The Big Sandy Theater will be stretching itself this year by putting on a musical comedy. Nonsense in the Northwoods will be showing March 15th and 16th. The production is the story of a run-down lodge on the backside of Moose Lake, and it accidentally draws a zany cross section of guests on the heels of a fake Bigfoot sighting and a newspaper feeding frenzy looking for the worst member of congress who is hiding out in the hotel.
One director pointed out that the Saturday showing is before the Rotary Banquet, which provides a perfect opportunity for out-of-town locals to come in for the show and stay for the dinner afterwards.
This year's production has attracted more than a few familiar faces from previous shows as well as some new talent. Amanda Hoffmann, who has been a co-director for every show since the community theater began, said, "I think that a different time of the year has brought in a different crowd, which is what what our goal was - to try and open it up to new and different people. We are excited for the new people that have been around. We've got some great singers." Amanda went on to explain some of the difficulties associated with putting on a musical: "It's been a challenge. It's new. It's definitely out of my comfort zone. I feel like I'm behind, but I think it'll be good. I am excited to see it."
She also described the show in glowing terms: "I think it's hilarious. And I think that with it being a comedy makes it a lot easier. I'm glad we went with a comedy, and not a serious play or something that everybody knows because with our first one, it'll be good. I'm excited for it."
Michelle Danreuther, who is also participating in her first production with the Community Theater, explained her choice to join in the fun this year: "I told her (Dianna Keane) if she ever does a musical, I would help her because I like them. It's fun. I like teaching kids how to breathe and how to sing." She explained some of the rewarding aspects of coaching the kids in their singing and choreography. She cited the decision to add warmup exercises to the routine and their impact on the kids' performances. "It's rewarding because I think when we do those exercises, like today, they were singing so much better than when we didn't do them. It helps them a lot to learn how to sing." Stephanie Drga who is also helping with directing the show and is participating in her first Big Sandy Theater production, added that watching the kids warm up to being on stage and performing has been particularly rewarding. "As directors, we've talked about how fun it is to watch some of the quieter kids really blossom in their roles. It's rewarding. Watching people get out of their comfort zone is great, and it's a skill that I think everyone needs to learn in life and theatre is just one of the great ways of doing it. You also learn teamwork with theater. A lot of kids learn that through athletics, but for some kids who aren't interested in athletics, theater is a place where they can learn that if I forget my lines it affects the person next to me. We really have to pull together as a team to pull off a production."
Michelle joined the other directors in describing the show with glowing terms: "I think the material is great if we can pull it off. These kids have got to work really hard though. I'm a little nervous. They've got to crack down on their lines, songs, and choreography."
Dianna, who has also been with the community theater since its start, described this year's production: "We have such a great group of people, as usual, and it is a lot of fun. Everyone has been a great sport, learning the songs and choreography on top of the usual lines. It will be a great show. Come out and support all these actors and actresses!"
The musical will have two showings, March 15th and 16th. The cost is $5 at the door.
